Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Populus balsamifera L.: Grows 30-100 feet. Large deciduous
tree with winter buds that are large resinous and aromatic; yellowish,
gummy, strongly fragrant, end buds more than 1/2 inch long. Young
twigs are sparsely hairy. The alternate, broadly ovate to deltoid
leaves are dark green on top and whitish underneath, sometimes hairy
on the lower veins; leafstalks mostly rounded (rather than flat).
The male and female flowers occur on separate, scaly catkins.

There are several trees and shrubs that have been called "Balm of
Gilead":

Commiphora opobalsamum L. is a small evergreen tree of the
bursera family native to Asia and Africa.

Populus candicans L. The common names are similar to P. balsamifera:
balsam poplar, American balm of Gilead, balm of Gilead buds, Mecca
balsam. This balm of Gilead has a wonderful fragrance. When boiled
in olive oil, cocoa fat, or some other good oil, they make an excellent
salve. Similar medicinal results with P. candicans as with P. balsamifera.

Medicinal Properties

Legends, Myths and Stories

The balm of Gilead mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 37:25 and Jeremiah
8:22) is a different plant, Comminphora meccanensis.

For wrinkles: Take barley water, strain, add a few drops of
oil of balm of Gilead. Place in a bottle and let stand for 10-12 hours,
shaking the bottle occasionally until the balsam is entirely mixed
with the water. This mixture improves the complexion and preserves
the appearance of youth. If used only once a day, it removes wrinkles
and gives the skin a surprising luster. Wash the face before using
this fluid.

Uses

Buds boiled to separate resin, then dissolved in alcohol, once used
as preservative in ointments. Folk remedy (balm) used for sores;
tincture for toothaches,
rheumatism, diarrhea,
wounds; tea used as a wash
for inflammation,
frostbite, sprains, and muscle strain. Internally, tea is used for
cough, lung ailments, expectorant. Inner bark tea is used for scurvy,
also as an eye wash,
blood tonic. Root tea
is used as a wash for headaches.
Probably contains salicin, explaining its aspirin-like qualities.

Warning

Balm of Gilead is a confusing name. It has been freely applied to
trees of the balsam family, trees of the willow family, trees of the
poplar family and to at least one shrub found during research on this
herb. Care should be taken when a formula or a recipe for treatment
is given with an ingredient called "balm of Gilead" in the ingredients.
Perhaps they are all similar in the biochemical makeup. Research further,
that is what is recommended here if you have doubts as to which is
being referred to in the recipe.